Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickramesinghe appears to be throwing wrench in the Indo-Sri Lanka relations, while the newly elected Maithripala Sirisena is trying to re-building confidence between the two countries. Prime Minister Ranil stated that there is nothing wrong if the Sri Lankan Navy personal shoots the Indian fishermen if enters Sri Lankan territorial waters.

He said “This is our waters. Hence, we have all rights to protect our territorial area and to stop the Indian fishermen entering into it. If someone tries to break into my house, I can shoot. If he gets killed, law allows me to do that. Therefore, the shooting of Indian fishermen does not amount to human rights violations.”

“The fishermen of our northern and southern regions are having some issues between them but they are trying for a reasonable settlement. So, we have stopped the fishermen of northern region to fish at Katchatheevu area. That's how the Indian fishermen had the chance to peep into.”

“Our Navy men forced to shoot at the Indian fishermen, only when they try to trespass and fish in our territorial waters. After all, why should they enter into our territorial waters and why blame us for shooting them? Katchatheevu is a part of Sri Lanka and the Indian government acknowledges it. Then why create trouble for both countries? I know it is a part of Tamil Nadu politics.”

He further said, “It is right time for the Tamil refugees to return to their homeland. If they have doubts and they want some more time, just give them some more time.”

“We keep the India-Sri Lanka relations separate from Sino-Sri Lanka relations. Both are important for us,” said Ranil Wickramesinghe.

If, he believes that all these developments are part of Tamil Nadu politics, then being the Prime Minister of his country, he can straightway approach his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and try to resolve the issue permanently rather than making such rude statements that is embarrassing to both countries.

His statement is also underlining a point that he is averse to have a strong bilateral relationship with India as he appears to be more aligned with China. Prime Minister Ranil Wickramesinghe has made this statement when his counterpart of India Narendra Modi is about to visit Sri Lanka very soon. His timing of statement is also strengthening these apprehensions. He spells his mind in the interview given to Thanthi TV broadcast on Friday night. He should think beyond the fishermen issue for the sake of bilateral relations between the two countries.